The 301(a) petition is a provision under Section 301 of the United States trade act of 1974, which provides an avenue to remedy unfair trade practices that are found to be in violation of existing trade agreements. FTAC’s 301(a) petition will be sent to the United States Trade Representative (USTR) requesting that he investigate the foreign subsidies to film and television productions.

What if the USTR finds all of the 19 foreign subsidy programs are in violations of our trade agreements?

If the foreign countries refuse to rescind its subsidies, the USTR is instructed by, Stewart and Stewart, to file with the World Trade Organization (WTO) for dispute settlement. The WTO has shown by many of its rulings that it is a strong enforcer of the restrictions on subsidies.

What is the goal of this action?

Elimination of subsidies up to 46% on labor costs given by the 19 foreign governments to U.S. studios and producers.

How long does this process take?

Once the petition is filed the USTR must decide within 30 days whether to initiate an investigation. Subsidy cases such as this are subject to an accelerated schedule so the WTO should issue a decision within 4 to 7 months. Without foreign subsidies as an incentive to produce films and television shows in other countries, many more producers and the studios will film their productions in the USA.

How much will this 301(a) remedy cost?

The 301(a) petition will cost the taxpayers absolutely nothing. FTAC has secured the services of the Washington, D.C. based trade law firm, Stewart & Stewart. We are continuing to raise funds so we can complete the legal actions necessary to file the 301(a) petition.

Why are some organizations opposed to the Section 301(a) filing?

The major motion picture studios oppose it because they will lose the lucrative subsidies they get from the 19 governments for producing in their countries at the expense of American workers and small business. Many trade experts agree that an investigation under a Section 301 would find the Film and Television subsides to be in violation of international trade agreements and order them eliminated.

Who supports FTAC’s 301(a) filing?

At this time FTAC has over 150,000 supporters across the US, including: